'Walrus and the Carpenter, The' by Lewis Carroll
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The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright --
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night.
The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done --
'It's very rude of him.' she said,
'To come and spoil the fun!'
The sea was wet as wet could be,
The sands were dry as dry.
You could not see a cloud, because
No cloud was in the sky:
No birds were flying overhead --
There were no birds to fly.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Were walking close at hand:
They wept like anything to see
Such quantities of sand:
'If this were only cleared away,'
They said, 'it would be grand.'
'If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year,
Do you suppose,' the Walrus said,
'That they could get it clear?'
'l doubt it,' said the Carpenter,
And shed a bitter tear.
'O Oysters, come and walk with us!
The Walrus did beseech.
'A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each.'
The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head --
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.
Out four young Oysters hurried up.
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their shoes were clean and neat --
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn't any feet.
Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more --
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.
'The time has come,' the Walrus said,
'To talk of many things:
Of shoes -- and ships -- and sealing wax --
Of cabbages -- and kings --
And why the sea is boiling hot --
And whether pigs have wings.'
'But wait a bit,' the Oysters cried,
'Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!'
'No hurry!' said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.
'A loaf of bread,' the Walrus said,
'Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed --
Now, if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed.'
'But not on us!' the Oysters cried,
Turning a little blue.
'After such kindness, that would be
A dismal thing to do!'
'The night is fine,' the Walrus said,
'Do you admire the view?'
'It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!'
The Carpenter said nothing but
'Cut us another slice-
I wish you were not quite so deaf-
I've had to ask you twice!'
'It seems a shame,' the Walrus said,
'To play them such a trick.
After we've brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!'
The Carpenter said nothing but
'The butter's spread too thick!'
'I weep for you,'the Walrus said:
'I deeply sympathize.'
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.
'O Oysters,' said the Carpenter,
'You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none --
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten every one.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Walrus and the Carpenter: A Masterpiece of Nonsense Poetry
If you think that poetry is all about deep emotions, profound thoughts, and lofty ideas, then you haven't read "The Walrus and the Carpenter" by Lewis Carroll. This classic poem is a delightful example of nonsense literature, a genre that revels in absurdity, whimsy, and wordplay. In this essay, I will explore the various themes, motifs, and techniques that make this poem a masterpiece of its kind.
The Story
The poem tells the story of two unlikely characters, a walrus and a carpenter, who go for a walk along the beach and encounter a group of oysters. The walrus, a cunning and manipulative creature, invites the oysters to join them for a "pleasant walk, a pleasant talk" and promises them "a little job that might suit us all." The carpenter, who is more naïve and gullible, helps the walrus to lure the oysters into a trap, where they are devoured by the two predators. In the end, the walrus and the carpenter go to sleep, leaving behind a trail of tears and a moral lesson that is both ambiguous and ironic.
The Themes
One of the main themes of the poem is deception. The walrus and the carpenter use their charm, their words, and their appearance to trick the innocent oysters into following them. The oysters, who are depicted as gullible and trusting, fall for the false promises and the flattery of the predators. The poem suggests that deception is a common tactic in human (and animal) interactions, and that those who are too trusting or too naïve can easily become victims of their own gullibility.
Another theme of the poem is greed. The walrus and the carpenter are motivated by their hunger for oysters, which they devour without remorse or compassion. The oysters, on the other hand, are motivated by their curiosity and their desire to have fun, but they pay a terrible price for their innocent pleasures. The poem suggests that greed can lead to cruelty and that those who pursue their selfish desires without regard for others will eventually face the consequences of their actions.
A third theme of the poem is mortality. The oysters, who are personified and given human-like qualities, symbolize the fragility and the transience of life. They are born, they grow, they have fun, and they die, just like humans. The walrus and the carpenter, who are also mortal creatures, remind us that death is an inevitable part of life and that no one can escape it. The poem suggests that life is precious, but also fleeting, and that we should make the most of our time while we can.
The Techniques
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of language. Carroll employs a wide range of linguistic devices, such as alliteration, assonance, rhyme, puns, and neologisms, to create a whimsical and playful atmosphere. The poem is full of catchy phrases, memorable lines, and clever wordplays that delight the reader's ear and tickle the reader's mind. For example, the repeated use of the phrase "the time has come" creates a sense of inevitability and urgency, while the repetition of the word "oysters" emphasizes their importance and their vulnerability.
Another technique that Carroll uses is parody. The poem parodies several literary genres and conventions, such as the pastoral poem, the morality tale, and the ballad. Carroll subverts the traditional expectations of these genres and turns them into sources of humor and absurdity. For example, the idyllic scenery of the beach and the sea is contrasted with the gruesome scene of the oysters being devoured, creating a jarring effect that undermines the pastoral ideal. Similarly, the moral lesson that is supposed to be learned from the story is subverted by the irony of the walrus and the carpenter falling asleep after their feast, as if nothing had happened.
A third technique that Carroll employs is symbolism. The poem is rich in symbols that convey deeper meanings and associations. For example, the walrus and the carpenter can be seen as representations of different aspects of human nature, such as intelligence and cunning (walrus) and simplicity and kindness (carpenter). The oysters can be seen as symbols of innocence, curiosity, and vulnerability. The sea and the beach can be seen as symbols of the vastness and the transience of life. The poem invites the reader to interpret these symbols and to make connections between them, creating a complex web of meaning that goes beyond the surface level of the story.
The Interpretation
What does "The Walrus and the Carpenter" mean? This question has puzzled readers and critics for over a century, and there is no single, definitive answer. Some have interpreted the poem as a political satire, a commentary on Victorian society, or a critique of organized religion. Others have seen it as a playful romp, a nonsense tale, or a surrealistic dream. Still, others have argued that the poem has no meaning at all, that it is simply a collection of words and sounds that create a pleasurable aesthetic experience.
In my view, the poem is a multi-layered work of art that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the reader's perspective and disposition. On the one hand, the poem can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deception, greed, and mortality. It warns us against trusting those who promise us easy rewards, against pursuing our desires without regard for others, and against forgetting the fragility and the preciousness of life. On the other hand, the poem can be seen as a celebration of the absurd, the whimsical, and the imaginative. It invites us to embrace the joy of language, the power of humor, and the wonder of existence.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" is a classic poem that exemplifies the genre of nonsense literature. It combines humor, absurdity, and wordplay with deeper themes of deception, greed, and mortality, creating a work of art that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through its use of language, parody, and symbolism, the poem invites the reader to explore different interpretations and to appreciate the complexity and the beauty of nonsense poetry. Whether we see it as a cautionary tale or a playful romp, "The Walrus and the Carpenter" remains a masterpiece of its kind, a work that has delighted and inspired generations of readers and writers.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Walrus and the Carpenter: A Masterpiece by Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll, the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was a renowned English writer, mathematician, and photographer. He is best known for his literary works, including Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. However, one of his lesser-known works, The Poetry Walrus and the Carpenter, is a masterpiece that deserves recognition.
The Poetry Walrus and the Carpenter is a narrative poem that tells the story of two characters, the Walrus and the Carpenter, who trick a group of oysters into following them for a walk. The poem is divided into four parts, each with its own unique tone and theme. The first part introduces the Walrus and the Carpenter and their plan to lure the oysters. The second part describes the oysters' journey with the Walrus and the Carpenter. The third part depicts the Walrus's betrayal of the oysters, and the fourth part concludes with the Carpenter's remorse and the oysters' fate.
The poem's structure is simple, with each part consisting of four stanzas of four lines each. However, the poem's simplicity is deceptive, as it is filled with complex themes and symbolism. The poem's central theme is the deception of innocence, as the Walrus and the Carpenter trick the innocent oysters into following them. The poem also explores the themes of greed, betrayal, and remorse.
The poem's opening lines, "The sun was shining on the sea, / Shining with all his might: / He did his very best to make / The billows smooth and bright," set the scene for the poem's playful and whimsical tone. The Walrus and the Carpenter are introduced as two jovial characters who are out for a walk. However, as the poem progresses, their true nature is revealed.
The second part of the poem describes the oysters' journey with the Walrus and the Carpenter. The oysters are portrayed as innocent and naive, as they follow the Walrus and the Carpenter without question. The Walrus and the Carpenter are depicted as cunning and manipulative, as they use flattery and false promises to lure the oysters.
The third part of the poem is the most poignant, as it depicts the Walrus's betrayal of the oysters. The Walrus's famous lines, "O Oysters, come and walk with us!" / The Walrus did beseech. / "A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk, / Along the briny beach," are revealed to be a lie, as the Walrus and the Carpenter devour the oysters. The Walrus's betrayal of the oysters is a metaphor for the betrayal of trust and innocence.
The fourth part of the poem concludes with the Carpenter's remorse and the oysters' fate. The Carpenter is depicted as the more sympathetic of the two characters, as he is remorseful for his part in the deception. The oysters' fate is left ambiguous, as the poem ends with the lines, "But four young oysters hurried up, / All eager for the treat: / Their coats were brushed, their faces washed, / Their shoes were clean and neat. / And this was odd, because, you know, / They hadn't any feet."
The Poetry Walrus and the Carpenter is a masterpiece of children's literature that explores complex themes and symbolism. The poem's playful and whimsical tone is deceptive, as it is filled with dark and poignant moments. The poem's central theme of the deception of innocence is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published in 1871. The Poetry Walrus and the Carpenter is a testament to Lewis Carroll's genius as a writer and his ability to create timeless works of literature.
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